France can be one of the best holiday destinations for parents with young children. It’s been welcoming British families for decades, so you should have no trouble finding everything you need.

Here’s our guide to taking your family to France, with advice on travelling, accommodation, eating out and shopping.

What's the best way to get to France?

One of the great things about France is that it's so easy to drive to. Having your own car with you on holiday can make life much easier, especially when you're travelling with a baby.

However, if you're going to the south of France, bear in mind that it's quite a long drive. In this case, you may find it easier to fly to your destination and hire a car once you're there. Flights to France won't take more than a couple of hours.

If you're driving, the quickest route across the English Channel is the Eurotunnel shuttle. The journey through the tunnel takes 35 minutes and involves simply driving onto the train and waiting in your car.

Of course, if you don't drive or would rather leave the car at home, you can always take the Eurostar train. It travels to dozens of destinations in France, including Paris, Avignon and Lille. Children under four years can travel for free, though they won’t get their own seat.

Ferry travel can be convenient, too. If you prefer to spend longer on the sea and less time on the road, choose a ferry heading to Le Havre in Normandy or St Malo in Brittany. Journey time to these ports is between six and nine hours.

If you want less travelling time or have any worries about sea sickness, try taking the shorter Dover to Calais route. Depending on the ferry company, this takes about an hour and a half.

How can I get around in France?

If you’re driving, remember to drive on the right! Watch the speed limit, too.

On the motorway, it's 130km an hour (around 80mph), or 110km an hour (68mph) when wet. On open roads it’s 90km an hour (55mph), or 80km an hour (49mph) when wet. And in built-up areas it’s usually 50km an hour (31mph) whatever the weather.

You’ll need to equip your car with headlamp converters and a GB sticker or Euro-plate. You'll also need a warning triangle and at least one visibility vest kept in your vehicle at all times. Check out the AA or RAC for more information.

There are lots of good stopping places, called Aires, on the motorway network. Some have service stations, restaurants, play areas and picnic benches. Nearly all have toilets, but these can be very basic and there are rarely baby changing facilities.

A decent map or satnav will help you navigate your way through France. French road signs can seem to appear without warning, often right on the junction you need!

If you need to stop for petrol, all types of unleaded petrol and diesel are available.

France has an excellent national train network. Local buses are generally good, but it is unlikely that the driver will speak English. Pushchairs will need to be folded on the train and at peak times on the bus.

Where are the best places to visit in France?

If you don’t mind long drives with your baby, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to wonderful destinations in France. If you’d prefer minimal driving, you can still find fantastic holiday spots close to the Eurotunnel and Eurostar stations, and ferry ports.

There are some superb beaches in France, with miles of clean golden sand. Some of the best are to be found on the west coast, in Brittany. The Atlantic waters can be chilly, but the surrounding countryside is stunning. There’s plenty of fun to be had flying kites and exploring rocks and coves.

The south-eastern Mediterranean coast is particularly popular with tourists. On the Languedoc-Roussillon coastline the beaches are generally wide and sandy, ideal for paddling and building sandcastles. The sea is a lot warmer than the Atlantic, too.

The Dordogne area in south-west France is hugely popular with families from the UK. It’s known for its beautiful villages and bastides (fortified towns), lavender fields and gentle pace of life.

Paris is an amazing city to visit. There’s lots to see and your little one may love a trip up the Eiffel Tower. Remember, the capital can be busy. If you’d prefer a more relaxed city, such as Avignon in the south. Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the historical sites, street theatre and buskers.

Most towns have good playgrounds and public swimming pools to keep your children entertained.

If you want a skiing holiday in France, head to the Alps in winter. The mountains provide beautiful scenery for walking holidays in summer. You’ll need a good all-terrain pushchair or baby carrier.

Theme parks such as Disneyland Paris can be brilliant for preschoolers and older children. There are also smaller rides and attractions for toddlers.

What accommodation is available?

Self-catering gites (holiday rentals) and villas are ideal, as you'll have your own space and can eat what you like, when you like. Gites range from chalets and apartments to hunting lodges. Owners usually live nearby or on site, and can provide help and assistance. Villas and cottages are often owned by people who live outside France.

Campsites are usually well-equipped and some also offer caravan holiday homes to rent.

Bed and breakfast accommodation is popular in France. There are all kinds of establishments to choose from, run by both French and British families. In most cases, evening meals are also available.

There are plenty of budget hotel chains, which can be particularly useful as stopovers on long trips. These are generally close to major routes and fairly basic, with clean family rooms.

Don’t discount one-star or two-star hotels. They can be far better than you may imagine and many will cater for children, with family rooms and play areas.

How can I find baby supplies in France?

French supermarkets are exceptionally well-stocked with baby supplies, and usually have most UK brands. They're also good places to buy interesting, inexpensive baby clothes.

Keep an eye on shop opening times. Large supermarkets are usually open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, with some also open on Sundays. Smaller shops usually open from 9am to 7pm, Tuesday to Saturday, closing for two or three hours at lunchtime and all day on Sunday and Monday.

Pharmacies usually have a good selection of baby items too, from nappies to formula milk.

You’ll find a large selection of ready-made baby food in France. Check the labels though, as they can contain different levels of sugar and salt than UK brands. You can find this information on the back of most food packaging as sucre (sugar) and sel (salt).

If your baby is a fussy eater, take supplies of the food you know she likes. This will help keep her happy at least until you’ve settled into your holiday.

Breastfeeding is widely supported in France, so there should be no problem breastfeeding in public.

Baby wipes are widely available, though you may have trouble getting fragrance-free varieties.

You may prefer not to drink the tap water in France. Although it's generally safe to drink in the big cities, French drinking water is treated differently to water in the UK. This change may give you a mild tummy upset. Bottled water is available everywhere and is usually fairly cheap.

Can I eat out with my baby?

The French are known for their love of food and they eat out more than we Brits do. It’s also a family affair, so you’ll find lots of children in restaurants and cafes.

Some offer children’s menus, but if there isn’t anything your little one likes it’s worth asking for something different. Many restaurants are happy to make something specially.

Restaurants will usually warm baby food and jars, but they rarely have baby changing facilities. However, local attitudes to breastfeeding in restaurants, or any public place, are usually kind and friendly.

How can I find healthcare in France?

UK citizens can get free or reduced-cost healthcare in France. Before you travel make sure every member of your family has a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). You can order these online at www.gov.uk, or at your local post office. You should also take out travel insurance with medical cover in case you use private healthcare or for uncommon emergency care such as search and rescue.

If you do have an emergency while you're away, you can call the European emergency number 112. English-speaking operators are available.

Pharmacies, marked with a green neon cross, are located throughout France and are well-stocked with medicines and first-aid supplies. Most pharmacists speak good English and they are a useful first port of call if your child is unwell. They will also be able to direct you to a doctor.

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